Halo 4 will be launched at more than 10,000 shops across 40 countries at midnight, publisher Microsoft has announced.

In addition, more than 30 marque launches will take place around the world, in cities including London, Seattle, Paris, Berlin, Toronto, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney.

In London a “spectacular stunt” down the River Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to Tower Bridge will take place this evening at 7.30pm. Viewers are advised to watch from Butlers Whard next to the Design Museum.

Retailers GAME have said they will open more than 350 stores at midnight, including a flagship launch in Westfield Stratford where they will be joined by developers from 343 Industries for the countdown to launch.

A limited number of fans will also be able to take a free bus from the Design Museum to GAME Stratford after the Thames stunt.